The water industry in the UK is to see the largest public sector framework agreement.

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has joined forces with procurement services firms YPO, The Energy Consortium, ESPO, NEPO, West Mercia Energy and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

They are expected to help the public sector, including schools, central government, universities, councils and housing associations, save more than £20 million over four years.

The framework will run for three years, with the option to extend by a further 12 months.

The news comes as more than 1.2 million businesses and public sector organisations will be able to choose who they pay for their retail water and wastewater services in England from April this year.

Sam Ulyatt, Strategic Category Commercial Director for CCS said: “The opening of the water market will create a unique opportunity for efficiency and collaboration and this is the first agreement of its kind in the UK.”

CCS will be carrying out an e-auction on behalf of interested customers in May.